By Karen Kesler, Spectrio Assistant Director of Creative Services

Dennis (R.D.) Steele is one of Spectrio’s most experienced and versatile voice announcers. Over the last 25 years, he has written, produced or performed on literally thousands of radio and TV commercials, film, video and digital narrations, for the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies, PA Lottery, Microsoft, KPMG and a host of medical and pharmaceutical companies. And he’s put words into the mouths of performers and commentators such as John Madden, Bob Costas, Billy Crystal, Monty Python’s John Cleese and Roger Daltrey of the Who. He has also sung on a number of commercial jingles.

Although he began hamming it up for family and friends at a very young age, Dennis got his start in music when he was recruited into the Boys Choir of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in middle school. Throughout high school there were a string of folk and rock bands, in between community theatre productions. In college, he studied Radio/TV/Film at the University of Cincinnati/College-Conservatory of Music.

When his professional career got underway, Dennis wrote, produced and performed on radio commercials, song parodies and comedy material for stations in Cincinnati, Des Moines, Iowa and Flint, Michigan, before settling in Philadelphia in 1980. He became production director and morning co-host on WYSP-FM radio, and did a two-year stint as the writer/producer of “Rolling Stone Magazine’s Continuous History of Rock and Roll.” There was no stopping him!

Putting his comedic talents to use, Dennis began a relationship with the American Comedy Network in 1984, producing music and comedy sketches for their national radio network, (some of which can still be heard on Sirius/XM to this day). From 1985-1987, he helped manage a radio syndication company, producing programming for NBC, ABC and Westwood One, among others. Dennis also spent over 10 years as writer/producer for John Madden’s Sports Calendar, a daily syndicated radio show. In late 1987, he launched Steele Creative Services, his own freelance writing, production and voiceover venture.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career to have been involved in so many incredible projects and to have worked with an array of talented individuals through the years,” Dennis notes. “Because I have such a diverse background I’ve become a jack of trades, able to adapt to any situation.”

Dennis got his start in the message-on-hold recording industry back in 1985 when a fellow announcer told him about a fledgling company located in Blue Bell, PA known as The Hold Company. (The company was eventually renamed Audiomax and was acquired by Spectrio is 2009.) He was a perfect fit, able to offer a friendly, yet professional style that customers loved. Through the years Dennis was one of the most requested male announcers on the Audiomax roster, renowned for his professionalism, creativity and range.

With his extensive background and experience, Dennis is a valuable asset at Spectrio. He enjoys working with such a variety of customers from many industries. From a friendly, guy-next-door sound to a polished corporate style, he is the perfect match. “I find this type of recording interesting because it’s so varied,” Dennis states. “From a car dealership to a hospital, a restaurant to a pharmaceutical company, I’ll help create an audio branding experience that meets the client’s goals.”

When he’s not busy working, Dennis loves reading (mostly American History,) good wine, bicycling, playing guitar and learning the mandolin. He also enjoys just “hanging out” at home in Villanova, PA with his wife Denise, four kids and their dogs Maggie and Buster.

For a talented voice announcer who offers professionalism, flexibility and results, ask for Dennis (R.D.) Steele on your next production. He’ll help you differentiate your organization and get results. Hear for yourself why he’s the Spectrio “Voice of Choice.”